Do you avoid religious businesses?

Some businesses readily demonstrate a preference for religiosity or have overtly religious management teams. One example is Chick-fil-A which cites religion as reasons for closing on Sunday and opposing gay marriage.

1. Are you, as a consumer, less likely to spend at a business that is overtly religious? Why or why not?

2. Do you keep track of which businesses bill themselves as religious, which have taken no public stance, and which are run by atheists? Do you know of any resources for keeping track?

3. Say you pulled into a gas station and read this message on the pump. Would you still buy gas there? Say you have a choice between a Catholic hospital and a secular hospital. Do you avoid the Catholic hospital because it is Catholic?

I think the reasons here get mixed up a bit. If I avoid a business, it's because (1) I disagree with political causes that they financially support, (2) I find their business practices to be discriminatory or unethical, or (3) I was displeased with the product or service. Some business owners may cite religious reasons as to why they do what they do, but I would avoid companies that meet the above criteria no matter the reason.

Number 3 on the list of religious companies was Tyson Foods which are headquartered here in northern Arkansas. Don Tyson (founder & CEO) used to be one of the biggest party guys around. He loved his cocaine. He's older now so maybe he's mellowed a little.

1. No, I take enough away from them that I can afford to give when it's easier than not.

2. I remember, but I don't make a point to seek it out. Unless it's a charity or something.

3. Yes, because I'm not going to go out of my way. They have something I want. As to hospitals, I'd use the one with better care (assuming I had decent health insurance-- I live in the US), regardless of whether or not there's a "St. So-and-so" in the hospital's name.

I do sometimes eat in the restaurant belonging to the local Mosque. Mostly because the food is excellent and I do my little bit for integration. There is the added bonus of telling Christian friends what they are missing out on and watching their reactions. I would also buy food form their shop. I buy a lot of spices and pulses from a Hindu only because he has a great selection and is helpful and enthusiastic even if he is very obviously a Hindu.

I seldom notice any religious overtone to any shopping transactions. In fact I can’t think of any at the moment.

I recently went into a revamped Christian bookshop and asked if they had a non-fiction section. Priceless!

I do try not to patronize religious-oriented businesses. That being said, I was referred by my regular physician to a Catholic hospital for diagnostic tests. I was a bit uncomfortable with it, but I didn't want to make trouble for my doctor, so I went. I am not so doctrinaire as to reject, out of hand, ANY possibility of entering a religious business establishment, but I do avoid it.

My wife and I used to like Chic-fil-A, and dealt with their religious roots. But when they started being vocal, we stopped going. Hobby Lobby is similar. We shopped there a few times, but after I found out about their annual Easter proselytizing ad, and they started getting vocal too, we stopped going there as well. Worked for the better, because we found a local independent art store we'd rather give our business to anyway. I also make a mental list of outwardly religious companies so that I can rule them out if I ever need the services that they offer. Read Bible verses on Christmas commercials? I won't give you my money. Plaster a 'Jesus fish' on all your advertising? Sorry, that doesn't make you seem more trustworthy to me. I'll spend elsewhere.